The golf ball conundrum

When it comes to golf balls there are lots to choose from. The majority look the same if you take away any branding or logos. Given that there’s so much choice and so many balls on the market, it can be difficult to decide on which one to play with.

But while they may look similar at a glance, each ball model has been designed and created to have specific qualities that will help certain areas of your game, such as give you more spin around the greens or higher launch off the tee.

We recently conducted a survey to better understand what our readers deemed were the most important factors to consider when buying a golf ball. 

The category that got the overwhelmingly highest vote was ‘performance’ with 66% of voters deeming that the need for a golf ball to perform well for them as the most important consideration. 

This category was voted for much higher than others, including brand and price. Golf balls themselves are made specifically with a certain golfer in mind, from those that need help getting more flight off the tee, to those that want to utilize as much spin as possible. Please read on as we dissect the latest TaylorMade balls and how they’ve been designed to enhance your golfing performance.

Soft Response - Experience that amazing feel

Perhaps one of the biggest things you want from a golf ball is that it feels good to play with. When you pull off that perfect strike, the connection is going to feel solid and the sound of the shot is going to resonate pleasantly.

The Soft Response has a low-compression core which gives it a super-soft feel, making it a joy to make contact with. It has a 3-layer construction which helps give you excellent speed and launch off the tee. The shallow dimples on the ball also help it carry through the air to give you extra distance.

Distance+ - Get more distance

Some players want more distance on their shots above all else, and if that sounds like you, the Distance+ balls will give it to you. The 342 Aerodynamic Dimple pattern has been designed to give you excellent carry and ball flight to help see you far down the fairway.

Internally, the REACT Speed Core will generate a lot of ball speed when your club makes contact, and the ball has a 2-layer ionomer cover that will give you lots of forgiveness and give you more control over your shots. The ball also has a plus shaped alignment aid so you’ll feel more confident when you line up your putt and go for the hole.

TP5x - Overall solid performance

As our survey indicated, performance is a central factor in golf ball consideration. The TP5x has all the features you need to cut your score when you’re out on the golf course.

The 5-layer construction gives you complete satisfaction from tee-to-green. You’ll be getting great distance with your drives, and the dual-spin cover increases greenside spin by giving you more traction and contact with clubface grooves.

On top of that, this ball feels great to hit and offers plenty of forgiveness should you not hit the perfect shot. All-in-all, the TaylorMade TP5 balls perform as required.

Tour Response Stripe - Bright and eye-catching balls

If you don’t like how your ball looks, you’re not going to get on with it. Thankfully TaylorMade has you covered. The Tour Response Stripe balls have a multi-coloured stripe which will greatly help you when you're lining up a putt.

The other balls we've mentioned also have eye-catching colour alternatives. The Soft Response balls are available in matte red and yellow colours, and both the Distance+ and TP5s have high-visibility yellow options that will help you find your ball should you veer off the fairway.

What’s your favorite golf ball? Are you thinking of changing what you play with? If you want to get more familiar with the equipment you’re using. Please seek us out in the pro shop and we’d be happy to lend you our expert advice.